Abstract Detail

Genomics / Proteomics

Witherup, Colby [1], Johnson, Matthew [1], Wickett, Norm [2].

Testing hypotheses on the repeated origination of polyploidy in plants.

The cycle of polyploidy and diploidization has occurred repeatedly during the evolution of many different groups of plants, resulting in phenotypic changes, speciation, and the emergence of novel traits. Although post-polyploid adaptation remains an exciting area of research for evolutionary biologists, of equal interest are how and why the cycle of polyploidy begins again following diploidization. Several hypotheses are proposed, including selection, relaxed selection, and residual artifacts from the previous polyploidy event, such as copy number increase or selection for meiotic adaptation to polyploidy. We investigate the hypothesis that 2n gamete production results from a relaxation of selection on meiosis genes. Recent research has identified multiple genes that, when mutated, can affect meiosis, resulting in the production of 2N gametes. Using data from 52 available plant genomes, we calculated Evolutionary Rate Covariation (ERC) between all functionally annotated meiosis genes. Genes that are not in the same pathway but display high ERC may be linked by similar function or evolutionary pressure during the cycle of establishment of polyploids and subsequent diploidization.

1 - Chicago Botanic Garden, Plant Science, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Plant Science Center, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA
2 - Chicago Botanic Garden, Plant Conservation Science, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA

Keywords:
polyploidy
meiosis.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 27, Genomics & Proteomics II
Location: 105/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: 27001
Abstract ID:520
Candidate for Awards:None